<p>Okay – to me you don’t sound like a fit for a generic BA so much as a fit for a specific set of transferable skills relating to the creation of music and the application of same to various media, possibly including production. In other words, a generator of musical content. So, I might be all wet here but I have a possible suggestion for you to investigate that is NOT a generic music BA, that DOES give the opportunity to study some composition and computer music, but still is not a BM and at the same time offers more composition opportunity than the Indianna/Jacobs program. (NOTE: You will want to notice that the RA at Jacobs program, while awesome, is NOT integrated with composition at that school and that the emphasis is very much on live reinforcement and capture. I have specifically asked the director about this slant vs. more composition-oriented curriculae. The program seems interested in distancing itself from electroacoustically-styled music, yet I suspect you’re a candidate to explore same due to computer music interest…). At any rate, maybe this is a fit for you, maybe not. If you’d like to know more re: portfolio, pm me. My son just went through a similar process these last two years, including the background deficit, and managed to find and win a spot at what he views to be his perfect fit. He is also an excellent creative writer and seriously interested in film and film scoring plus vg foley/music direction.</p>
<p>At University of Michigan School of Music and Dance, there is a small program called Performing Arts Technology that has FOUR curricula streams (with about 4 admits per section). A = BMus incl performance on principal instrument plus computer composing, programming, sound reinforcement, multimedia programming etc. Need competitive audition + portfolio to get in. B= BFA with a concentration in either music or visual/media arts. For B, you take music theory, composition, keyboard, programming etc. but do NOT have the BMus principal instrument/intensive performance hours requirement (although it is competitive to get in without a reasonable level of musical accomplishment in at least one instrument plus hard evidence of composition capability in written score as well as midi – however, you do not audition live but provide recording of acoustic play as well as electronic). C is BFA in media arts (fewer hardcore music courses, fewer theory requirements, etc.). D is in tandem with school of engineering for BS in sound engineering, reinforcement etc. For D, you must submit a multi-tracked and mixed live capture, have a min. gpa of 3.5 and min of 28 on ACT. Frankly, I’d recommend if you pursue this avenue that you submit same for any of the sections. It’s good experience to write, then play each part, then capture, then mix and you already have Logic so all you need is a little Alesis Multimix16 firewire or even an MBox (if you don’t need more than two tracks at a time) which you can get very cheaply today on Ebay (and to borrow a few condenser mics.)</p>
<p>As far as achieving acceptance to the program (I can only speak to Curriculum B)
my son took private music tech lessons summer of junior year which INCLUDED composition of contemporary and multitracked song (and gave access to great equipment). In his case, he had to take a course (dual enrollment) at local university to get more theory background as no AP offered in our district, and took a college keyboard class to improve midi interface and speed of composition. While he is section leader in his school’s jazz band as well as highest wind ensemble, he did not feel he was suited to a BMus performance stream because he “did not want to marry the trumpet” and because “the technology is my instrument.” As you might guess, like you, he plays many instruments but (at least in his case, don’t know about you : ) none of them with the level of focus or technical prowess that comes from a decade or more of private lessons, intensive rehearsal, or the other earmarks of a BMus candidate.</p>
<p>For portfolio requirements, they request that you electronically arrange any Bach fugue; include at least one original composition (written score), at least one electronic composition (midi is fine), acoustic capture of performance on instrument of your choice, and a set of created sound samples or soundscape (eg you can do this cheaply in a free mac program such as Audacity b/c MaxMSP is expensive.) etc.</p>
<p>With respect to your concerns about contemporary vs. classical in orientation, my son’s portfolio included a range of classical, jazz, alternative/indie rock, a very electroacoustic-styled soundscape, rockcomedy etc. The interview committee had told him they really liked the variety/range of his music. So you’d likely be welcomed with your eclectic mix of style-likes.</p>
<p>It’s a complex mix of courses that you definitely want to sit in on to get a feel for fit. My son sat in on classes at his three favorites, which included IU and NYU Tisch Clive Davis. (He likely would have loved USC as well but did not apply as did not want to go that far afield for undergrad.)</p>
<p>I don’t have much info on a pure composition stream but it sounds like you have those options well in hand as far as advice goes. I am posting this merely to give you a different approach/option to pursue or visit while you examine these programs. I do hope you’ve started visiting or plan to very early next year. Sitting in on classes and talking to students at work was the single most valuable thing my son did.
Meeting with the department head and asking a lot of questions, as well as listening to their own work, reading their papers, and investigating their musical backgrounds will also help you find your fit.</p>
<p>So no matter how much advice you get on this board, please go out in the field to form your assessments early on. The portfolios required at the better programs are very time intensive in addition to regular college applications and essays.</p>
<p>Good luck and cheers,
K</p>
"</p>